A Changed Life

Patrick Detken

Acts

Sermon Only Sermon Audio

Oct 18, 2026

Acts 9:19-25

In this sermon, Pastor Patrick teaches from Acts 9:19–25 that following Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easier, but it will change your life.

Through Saul’s story, we see how a changed life changes our voice to share the gospel, faces opposition for our faith, and trusts that God will provide for those He calls. If you’re struggling to share your faith, facing opposition because of what you believe, or wondering how God will carry you through a difficult season, check out this message to be encouraged.

Sermon Notes

Acts
Acts 9:19-25 // October 18, 2026

“and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.” Acts 9:19-25

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”’ Acts 9:15-16

“and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”’ Acts 9:19b-21

1. A Changed Life CHANGES YOUR VOICE

“And taking food, he was strengthened.” Acts 19a

“All who heard him were amazed.” Acts 9:21a

“For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.’” Acts 9:19b-20

When Jesus changes your heart, He changes your voice

Has your changed life led to Him changing your voice?

56% of U.S. Christian adults view their spiritual lives as entirely private.

“When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him” Acts 9:23-24

2. A Changed Life Will Face Opposition

“When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him.” Acts 9:23

“They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him.” Acts 9:24b

Opposition doesn't mean you're off track; sometimes it means you're standing firm

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." John 15:18

Is there isn’t any opposition in your life? If not, then why?

3. A CHANGED LIFE trusts that God PROVIDES for those He call

“But his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.” Acts 9:25

Don't mistake a difficult season for a finished story. Sometimes the basket is how God gets us to the next chapter of our story.

Where do you need to trust Jesus?

1. A CHANGED LIFE is a changed voice.
2. A CHANGED LIFE will Face Opposition
3. A CHANGED LIFE trusts that God PROVIDES for those He calls

Sermon Notes

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